Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Thoughts/ Prayers
As I was writing thank you notes for Baby C's baptism, I looked up the United Methodist church website and found this wonderful writing.
"We no more wait for our children to decide about being in the family of God than we wait for them to decide if they would like to be a part of our human family. As parents, we make many decisions - in matters of health, safety, education, for example - for our children. Of course, they may later reject what we have done for them. But, this possibility does not relieve us of the responsibility to do all that we can for them spiritually, as we do in other aspects of their lives."
I thought this was really good reminder of the importance and responsibility to bring up your children in the family of God.
This is a verse I love to pray over James, my children, and other loved ones:
Col 1:9-14
"And so, ... we have not ceased to pray for you asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son in whom we have redemption the forgiveness of sins."
"We no more wait for our children to decide about being in the family of God than we wait for them to decide if they would like to be a part of our human family. As parents, we make many decisions - in matters of health, safety, education, for example - for our children. Of course, they may later reject what we have done for them. But, this possibility does not relieve us of the responsibility to do all that we can for them spiritually, as we do in other aspects of their lives."
I thought this was really good reminder of the importance and responsibility to bring up your children in the family of God.
This is a verse I love to pray over James, my children, and other loved ones:
Col 1:9-14
"And so, ... we have not ceased to pray for you asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son in whom we have redemption the forgiveness of sins."
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Happy Easter!
We had a wonderful Easter. We didn't talk much about lent but we did focus on Holy Week. We used some ideas from here more for the audio Bible links. We did a few crafts but I just wasn't feeling crafty. We did read Holy Week stories lots of places- the Bible, the Illustrated Bible, the Jesus Storybook Bible.
We watched a cartoon Easter movie which was pretty accurate Friday night and then James and I watched The Passion of the Christ.
Easter morning we did make Resurrection Rolls which turned out good. Every year for a long time I've attempted to make Easter cookies- the kind that the recipe tells the story and overnight they're supposed to rise. But ours never did so I'm happy with crescent rolls and marshmallows!
K and C sang with KWAM in church. They sang one song and then did a human video for Carmen's Sunday's on the Way. It was really good. We stayed at Trinity's Easter Eggstravaganza and then home for French Toast. About 3 we started getting ready for a Christian Passover Meal I was way tired that night because we made everything in just a couple hours (not my best idea) but it turned out really nice.
We used our good china- roasted lamb, asparagus, new potatoes, unleavened bread, "new life" cake, and wine. We sat on the ground in the living room for the ceremony. It was wonderful. I definitely want to keep this as an Easter tradition.
He is risen! He is risen indeed!
We watched a cartoon Easter movie which was pretty accurate Friday night and then James and I watched The Passion of the Christ.
Easter morning we did make Resurrection Rolls which turned out good. Every year for a long time I've attempted to make Easter cookies- the kind that the recipe tells the story and overnight they're supposed to rise. But ours never did so I'm happy with crescent rolls and marshmallows!
K and C sang with KWAM in church. They sang one song and then did a human video for Carmen's Sunday's on the Way. It was really good. We stayed at Trinity's Easter Eggstravaganza and then home for French Toast. About 3 we started getting ready for a Christian Passover Meal I was way tired that night because we made everything in just a couple hours (not my best idea) but it turned out really nice.
We used our good china- roasted lamb, asparagus, new potatoes, unleavened bread, "new life" cake, and wine. We sat on the ground in the living room for the ceremony. It was wonderful. I definitely want to keep this as an Easter tradition.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
WFMW Part II
Don't try to make everyone happy- because you can't. Yes, there will lots of fun times and there are times that kids get to decide but it doesn't happen in real life and it doesn't always happen for kids. I find when I stop trying to make everyone happy, everyone is usually happier. It's so good when you can get the focus off of self and satisfying your own wants.
Consistency- some of this ties into above. I would sometimes try to mix things up so everyone got a first turn, or everyone did some of each of the chores, but that doesn't help. Once the kids learn that this is the way it's going to be than they deal with it better than always thinking that maybe Mommy will change her mind. I put this on WFM but it could also very well be on DWFMW (that's doesn't work for me Wednesday). I think the key is it only works if you do it. It's so easy to let things slide thinking that it's easier and it may be at the moment. But in the long run, much harder.
Super hero squad- one of the hardest things in our marriage (probably most marriages) is good communication. James and I were blessed to be able to attend a Strong Bonds Marriage Retreat in Kansas. During the retreat, we practiced the "speaker-listener" technique. It's a great method for ensuring both partners are listening to each other- the tendency is often to hear what you want to hear and use listening time to think of what you want to say next. Last summer I heard Janelle using that with her kids and thought what a great idea. No, it doesn't go great all the time- often the kids need help doing that but isn't that what we're here for? And we're all learning!
Consistency- some of this ties into above. I would sometimes try to mix things up so everyone got a first turn, or everyone did some of each of the chores, but that doesn't help. Once the kids learn that this is the way it's going to be than they deal with it better than always thinking that maybe Mommy will change her mind. I put this on WFM but it could also very well be on DWFMW (that's doesn't work for me Wednesday). I think the key is it only works if you do it. It's so easy to let things slide thinking that it's easier and it may be at the moment. But in the long run, much harder.
Super hero squad- one of the hardest things in our marriage (probably most marriages) is good communication. James and I were blessed to be able to attend a Strong Bonds Marriage Retreat in Kansas. During the retreat, we practiced the "speaker-listener" technique. It's a great method for ensuring both partners are listening to each other- the tendency is often to hear what you want to hear and use listening time to think of what you want to say next. Last summer I heard Janelle using that with her kids and thought what a great idea. No, it doesn't go great all the time- often the kids need help doing that but isn't that what we're here for? And we're all learning!
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Baptism
What a wonderful baptism! We've so enjoyed each of our children's baptisms- K was in our front yard in NC, T was with family while we were in Kansas, and C, KG, and baby C in my parents' front yard. My Dad, my cousin Ed, our five kids and I all wore my Dad's baptism gown- now 70+ years old.)
Here's a pic after Sunday morning church service- my Mom got the pretty matching dresses for the girls and handsome green and pink shirts for boys.
I'm hoping to get some more pictures of the actual baptism. Here's the group shot afterwards. The ceremony was so nice- a warm, personal promise to raise our daughter to know God. Pastor Laidlaw sprinkled C with water he brought back from the Jordan River when he went to the Holy Land with my parents.
Baby C's wearing her cross necklace from the Sellers and hanging out with Daddy.
David always finds the baby!
After her Baptism, we enjoyed a super meal (Low country boil) with good friends! The day could not have gone any better. C was super sweet- grinning at everyone and so happy. The kids were good. God blessed us by holding off the rain until afterwards. A wonderful night!
Here's a pic after Sunday morning church service- my Mom got the pretty matching dresses for the girls and handsome green and pink shirts for boys.
Spring Break
What a terrific trip! James had spring break last week so we decided to go to NC and FL and I'm so glad we did. Last Friday we drove down to Grandma's house. We got there in time for K to shoot his 22 out back and then Friday night pizza and movie night. The kids loved watching Charlie Brown's Easter. We spent Saturday driving down to FL. This was Baby C's farthest traveling and she sometimes had enough in the car but was usually content to hold a hand as long as stopped when it was time to eat. Sunday started with Sunday cereal and green oatmeal and was a wonderful day of church, naps, and Baby C's baptism. We all enjoyed the church service with wonderful music and great friends.
We had several fun things planned that we didn't do because the kids were a little under the weather but we still had a good time. One of the favorite things for the kids in Florida is special time with Papa. We've been starting that at age 4 but decided KG was close enough so the 4 big kids all got to go- K to Rotary, 2 boys to breakfast, and KG out for fun. They loved it!
We also enjoyed the wonderful weather with some egg decorating on the porch.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
WFMW
I get really frustrated with myself for not sticking with things lots of times. It's really hard for me to stick with something if it doesn't seem to be working or if something better comes along. I'm not talking about the big important things like marriage :) but little things like a laundry system, school schedule, ...
but I thought I'd share some of the things that have worked for us
salads in a jar- we started making these during our whole 30 month and have continued. They're great for quick lunch- home or away. just add some protein and dressing and lunch! yes, we could make a huge salad but you can put different veggies in for different days and it feels like something different for lunch.
individual laundry- we just switched to the boys use their laundry basket for just their own dirty clothes; then they take that laundry basket to the washing machine. they wash, dry, fold, and put away their clothes. I do sometimes put the white socks in with our whites load but other than that- no sorting.
kids cleaning the bathroom daily- loving this. Yes, we are giving them a "commission" for this daily job but definitely worth it. Bathrooms look much better and they have some money to practice spending, saving, and giving.
Bible verse memory system- we have used this for a long time now and really like it. We have daily, every other day, weekly, and monthly verses depending on how well we know them. We add verses from Royal Rangers, Community Bible Study, our family devotions, or just ones we want to hide in our hearts.
15 minutes with Daddy- what a blessing for James and for the kids. For a while, we struggled with how to fit this in. We are really blessed to live only a mile from James' work but there's still not much time once he gets home before bedtime. Now almost every night right after dinner, James takes one child for "15ish minutes" of uninterrupted time while the others and I clean up after dinner. Circuits (from Uncle Steven), drawing and cards are the favorite activities right now. A short time but great chance for one on one time with Daddy.
Momschool- similar to 15 minutes but the kids don't get to pick out what they do. Some days I help them with math one on one- math card games are fun way to practice math facts. We play math crazy eights, math war- where they add, subtract, multiply, or divide depending on what they're working on in math. C and I are reading Langston Hughes right now. T is working on 100 EZ lessons. K and I have been writing some poems. The other kids read, have alone playing time, work on spanish or handwriting, or play with one buddy. Nice for all!
Managers of their chores- this is pretty new to us but I'm glad we got it. It's been great to read about how good chores are for kids and how important it is to inspect what you expect. It's also helped me not to try to add a ton of new things at once but still feel like we have a system in place. Their chores are in the computer- I can easily add, change as needed.
Cloth diapers- we've been doing this for a long time now. But Baby C was the first one to use prefolds. They always seemed to hard. But now maybe it's not having several toddlers :) or just realizing that they're not all that different- they work. It's great because I added tons more diapers for not a lot of money but sometimes I run out of covers before diapers. In a pinch, I've used a disposable diaper for a cover which worked well.
Nightly sweeping- one area i've always had a hard time with was sweeping/ wiping the table. I want the kids to do it but I also want the crumbs up. It's hard for me not to go right behind them to get what they missed. But what does that say to them? you can't do it well enough. If they're able to do it better, I should have them redo it. If not, let it be. Now, they do it after breakfast and lunch and I do it after dinner. I sleep much better with the crumbs up :)
Daily Bible reading- we've done lots of different things over the years but I like this the best so far. Before breakfast, K and C sit down and we read through a chapter in the New Testament while T and KG play quietly on their blankets. Then we switch and I read a storybook Bible to T and KG while K and C play. We've really loved the Jesus Storybook Bible for this. Everyone listens to all of it without quite the crowd on the couch!
I don't know if anyone is reading this but it's been good for me just to see on paper :) that there are things that we're doing well. Sometimes it feels like we're sowing and sowing and don't always see the return. But I do know changes don't happen overnight.
but I thought I'd share some of the things that have worked for us
salads in a jar- we started making these during our whole 30 month and have continued. They're great for quick lunch- home or away. just add some protein and dressing and lunch! yes, we could make a huge salad but you can put different veggies in for different days and it feels like something different for lunch.
individual laundry- we just switched to the boys use their laundry basket for just their own dirty clothes; then they take that laundry basket to the washing machine. they wash, dry, fold, and put away their clothes. I do sometimes put the white socks in with our whites load but other than that- no sorting.
kids cleaning the bathroom daily- loving this. Yes, we are giving them a "commission" for this daily job but definitely worth it. Bathrooms look much better and they have some money to practice spending, saving, and giving.
Bible verse memory system- we have used this for a long time now and really like it. We have daily, every other day, weekly, and monthly verses depending on how well we know them. We add verses from Royal Rangers, Community Bible Study, our family devotions, or just ones we want to hide in our hearts.
15 minutes with Daddy- what a blessing for James and for the kids. For a while, we struggled with how to fit this in. We are really blessed to live only a mile from James' work but there's still not much time once he gets home before bedtime. Now almost every night right after dinner, James takes one child for "15ish minutes" of uninterrupted time while the others and I clean up after dinner. Circuits (from Uncle Steven), drawing and cards are the favorite activities right now. A short time but great chance for one on one time with Daddy.
Momschool- similar to 15 minutes but the kids don't get to pick out what they do. Some days I help them with math one on one- math card games are fun way to practice math facts. We play math crazy eights, math war- where they add, subtract, multiply, or divide depending on what they're working on in math. C and I are reading Langston Hughes right now. T is working on 100 EZ lessons. K and I have been writing some poems. The other kids read, have alone playing time, work on spanish or handwriting, or play with one buddy. Nice for all!
Managers of their chores- this is pretty new to us but I'm glad we got it. It's been great to read about how good chores are for kids and how important it is to inspect what you expect. It's also helped me not to try to add a ton of new things at once but still feel like we have a system in place. Their chores are in the computer- I can easily add, change as needed.
Cloth diapers- we've been doing this for a long time now. But Baby C was the first one to use prefolds. They always seemed to hard. But now maybe it's not having several toddlers :) or just realizing that they're not all that different- they work. It's great because I added tons more diapers for not a lot of money but sometimes I run out of covers before diapers. In a pinch, I've used a disposable diaper for a cover which worked well.
Nightly sweeping- one area i've always had a hard time with was sweeping/ wiping the table. I want the kids to do it but I also want the crumbs up. It's hard for me not to go right behind them to get what they missed. But what does that say to them? you can't do it well enough. If they're able to do it better, I should have them redo it. If not, let it be. Now, they do it after breakfast and lunch and I do it after dinner. I sleep much better with the crumbs up :)
Daily Bible reading- we've done lots of different things over the years but I like this the best so far. Before breakfast, K and C sit down and we read through a chapter in the New Testament while T and KG play quietly on their blankets. Then we switch and I read a storybook Bible to T and KG while K and C play. We've really loved the Jesus Storybook Bible for this. Everyone listens to all of it without quite the crowd on the couch!
I don't know if anyone is reading this but it's been good for me just to see on paper :) that there are things that we're doing well. Sometimes it feels like we're sowing and sowing and don't always see the return. But I do know changes don't happen overnight.
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